AUSTIN — As celebrations are finalized to mark the last days of summer, the Texas Department of Transportation urges drivers to make a plan leading up to the Labor Day holiday — a plan for a safe and sober ride home.

“Drinking and driving remains a big problem in Texas,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “If you plan to drink, you must plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home. It’s a plan that could save a family — even your own — from the heartbreak of losing a loved one.”

TxDOT’s “Plan While You Can” campaign kicked off today in San Antonio and runs through September 5 to coincide with Labor Day and increased DWI enforcement in Texas. During the Labor Day holiday period in 2015, there were 359 alcohol-related crashes that led to 12 fatalities and 36 serious injuries.

The campaign is a multi-city tour featuring an interactive dodgeball game that uses gaming technology to educate the public about the effects of alcohol on a person’s reflexes. As participants play, virtual drinks are added and the players’ on-screen avatars become less able to dodge incoming “dodgeballs.” The game demonstrates how even one drink can slow reaction times.

As always, TxDOT strongly encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before going out. In addition to potentially life threatening crashes, drivers under the influence of alcohol could face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. Visit SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Aug. 4, 2016.

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The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, we deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.